Magnetically-actuated fluid control valve

ABSTRACT

A body member formed as a solid block of high purity iron is provided with an axial bore forming a fluid inlet passage and a planar end wall surrounding the bore. The valve member which blocks the inlet flow also is shaped as a solid block formed of high purity iron. Further, this latter member is slidably carried in a casing and itself has a planar end wall adapted to flushly engage the end wall of the valve body member and, when so engaged, to block the inlet flow. The body member carries an electric coil to magnetize the high purity iron pieces and cause the valve member to move into its flow-blocking position. When the coil is not energized, fluid flow admitted through the axial bore spreads laterally and forces the valve member away from the valve body member to create a gap in the order of 0.010 inch. This small stable gap allows closure of the valve with very low electrical power.

United States Patent 1191 Anderson et, al.

1111 3,758,071 1 Sept. 11, 1973 1221 Filed:

I 1 MAGNE'IICALI.YMC'IUA'IEI) FLUID CONTROL VALVE I [75] Inventors:Victor-C. Anderson, San Diego,

. Calif.; Ronald C. l-lorri,,New

Brighton, Minn.

i731 Assignee: The United States of America as 1 represented by theSecretary of the Navy, Washington, DC.

Nov. 26, 1971 I21] Appl. No.: 202,286

Primary ExamincrArnold Rosenthal Attorney-R. S. Sciascia [5 7 1'ABSTRACT A body member formed as a solid block of high purity iron isprovided with an axial bore forming a fluid inlet passage and a planarend wall surrounding the bore. The valve member which blocks the inletflow also is shaped as a solid block formed of high purity iron.Further, this latter member is slidably carried in a casing and itselfhas a planar end wall adapted to flushly engage the end wall of thevalve body member and, when soengaged, to block the inlet flow. The bodymember carries an electric coil to magnetize the high purity iron piecesand cause the valve member to move into its flow-blocking position. Whenthe coil is not energized, fluid flow admitted through the axial borespreads laterally and forces the valve member away from the valve bodymember to create a gap in the order of 0.010 inch. This small stable gapallows closure of the valve with very low electrical power.

4 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures MAGNETICALLY-ACTUATED FLUID CONTROL VALVE IBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates to magnetically actu- 'ated valves and, in particular,to magnetically-actuated cally actuated valveswhich utilize fluid flowforces to promote valve'opening and which also utilize a mag neticcircuit to cause the valve to close. For the most part, however, thesevalves are rather complicated, ex-

pensive and in some instances seem to be unstable and difficult tomaintain.

Further, some of these valves are not of a type which allows closure ofthe valve using very low electrical power. Obviously, the ability toconserve electrical power becomes a significant considerationparticularly when the situation requires the use of battery power andthe power must be available for long periods of time. Electrical poweris at a premium particularly in underwater, air or space applications,as well as a number of other applications where the valve-controlledequipment is required to operate in a remote location in which it cannotreadily be serviced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The fluid control valve apparatus includes avalve body member shaped as a solid block and provided with asubstantially planar end wall. A bore extending through the blockaxially of the wall provides a fluid inlet passage and the block alsomounts an electrically energizable coil. The valve member, used to blockthe flow through the inlet passage, also is shaped as a solid block andalso is provided with a substantially planar end wall which isperipherally coextensive with the end wall of the body member. Theseplanar end walls are adapted to flushly engage one another to block theinlet flow. To permit the valve to open, one of the members, preferablythe valve member, is movable relatively to the other so that, when fluidpressure is applied through the inlet, this pressure can force the onemember away from the other to produce a small gap through which theinlet flow can proceed in a radially outwardly direction. Effluent meansare provided to receive the radial flow and, most suitably, these meanscommunicate with the entire peripheral extent of the gap produced whenthe members move apart. The valve is closed magnetically and, for thispurpose, both of the members are formed of a magnetic material, such ashigh purity iron, so that, when energized by the coil, a magneticcircuit is produced to draw the members together and hold them in thevalve-closing disposition.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the invention is to providea magnetically actuated valve utilizing Bernouli fluid forces to openthe valve and also utilizing electromagnetic forces to close it, thearrangement being such that the closing can be accomplished with the useof very low electrical power. I y

Another object is ,to provide a fluid control valve functioning in themanner defined in the foregoing object, the valve being unusually simpleand inexpensive both in design and-operation.

Yet another object consistent with the foregoing objects is to provide amagnetically-actuated valve which is reliable, stable and unusuallysensitive to applied forces so as to be capable of operating when theapplied forces' arerelatively small. I

Other objectsand their attendant advantages will becomeapparent in theensuing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION'OF THE DRAWINGS An embodimentof the invention isillustrated in the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the control valve, and FIG. 2 is a centralsection taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

' DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Before proceedingwith the description, it shouldbe noted that the drawings illustrate theinvention in a poses, can be considered as being formed of an upper part1 and a lower part 2. As shown,these two parts are disposed in flushengagement one with the other and, when so engaged, they mutuallyprovide an interior chamber 3 in which are mounteda valve member 4 and-a valve bodymember 6.

Fluid flow is admitted through an inlet conduit 7 mounted in the lowerwall of part 2 of the casing and effluent flow proceeds outwardlythrough a conduit section 8 disposed centrally in the upper wall ofupper casing member 1. In this regard, it should be noted that uppercasing member 1 itself is formed of two parts 9 and 11, part 9 beingsomewhat similar in shape to part 2 of the casing and part 11 being acap portion having an enlarged interior chamber or manifold 12 tocollect the effluent and discharge it through conduit 8. It furthershould be noted that part 9 of the casing is formed with a plurality ofarcuate effluent passages 13, these passages communicating at theirlower ends with an effluent chamber 14 which, as will be seen, is morespecifically a radial enlargement of interior chamber 3. In effect,lower casing member 2, as well as part 9 of upper casing member 1 bothare provided with cup shaped chambers, the principal difference beingthat the chamber formed in part 9 has a. stepped portion to provideradial enlargement 14.

Valve member 4 and valve body member 6 provide the functional componentsof the present apparatus. Both of these portions are shaped as solidblocks and are in the form of short cylinders carried adjacent one tothe other, both further being provided with planar end walls 16 and 17which, when the valve is not sub jected to fluid or electromagneticforce, rest in a flush engagement oneon top of the other. Valve member 4lower portion of chamber 3 so that upper valve member 4 slidably movesrelative to it.

Another feature of the present invention is that solid blocks 4 and 6both are formed of a magnetic material, such as high purity iron and anelectrical-energizable coil 23 is mounted in block 6 to create amagnetic ciruit attracting block 4 into flush engagement with block 6.As long as the coil is energized this flush engagement is maintained.Block 6 is provided with an axial bore or passage 24 centrally disposedrelative to wall 17 of this block and passage 24 communicated withconduit 7.

Most suitably, coil 23 is mounted in anannular recess 26 formed in block6 and extending concentrically to the axis of passage 24. Similarly,block 4 is provided with an annular recess 27, this recess providingblock 4 with a central cylindrical flange having a lower wall 16a whichhas a diameter greater than the diameter of passage 24 so that, when thetwo blocks are flushly engaged, surface 16a closes the upper opening ofpassage 24.

Other features of the invention best can be understood by consideringits intended operation. First,'however, it might be pointed 'out thatthe illustrated .embodiment particularly contemplates the use of thevalve in hydraulic systems although, as will be understood, the valvecan be adapted for other fluid systems. Inlet fluid enters the valvethroughvconduit 7 and its force is applied to surface 16a of valvemember 4 through conduit 24. When there is no fluid flow entering thevalve, upper valve member or block 4 rests upon block 6, it previouslyhaving been noted that block 4 is slidably mounted in the casing so thatit drops by force of gravity into its flush engagement with the lowerblock. In other situations, it of course is possible that the entirevalve apparatus may be disposed horizontally or in other orientations inwhich the force of gravity would not apply. If so, appropriate resilientmeans can be incorporated as a substitute for gravity.

When inlet flow first is initiated, its force applies itself to surface16a and tends to expand radially from the axis of conduit 24 across theinterface of the two blocks. This radial flow across the planarinterface, in turn, forces block 4 to slide upwardly in its chamber afixed amount depending upon the pressure being exerted and the mass ofthe block. As will be understood, the force which moves the blockupwardly is what is known as the Bemouli fluid force produced by thehigh velocity of the radial flow of the fluid. As will be noted, thepresent flow is laminar across the valve seat. The arrangement is suchthat the pressure force moves the mass of block 4 sufficiently to createa gap in the order of0.0 l inch, this small stable gap being one of thesignificant features that permits closure of the valve in response tovery low electrical power. For example, in one embodiment the valvecloses upon the application of 300 milliwatts against a fluid pressureof 100 psi. The fluid, of course, proceeds radially through the gap intoenlarged effluent chamber 14 and on through openings [3 into manifold 12for discharge through conduit 8.

Energization of coil 23 produces a magnetic path or circuit extendingthrough both blocks 6 and 4 and the close the valve against suchpressures as 100 psi. The flow through inlet passage 24 then is closedby the valve seat provided by surface 16a and the valve apparatus willremain closed until the coil is deenergized. Reopening then becomesresponsive to the establishment of the Bernouli fluid forces.

Aside from the advantages which have been pointed out, particulallythose which involve the ability of the valve to function in response tominimum electrical energization, it should be noted that the presentarrangement is one which is unusually stable and reliable in that ituses relatively few block-like parts, the movement of which relative oneto the other is quite small and easily. guided or controlled to theextent that constant maintenance or adjustment should not be required.It also will be appreciated that the parts themselves can be fabricatedinexpensively and in large quantity so that the valve structure as awhole should be well suited both to economic fabrication and use.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

We claim: 1. Hydraulic fluid pressure control valve apparatuscomprising:

a cylindrically shaped block-like valve body member provided with asubstantially planar end wall having a fluid pressure inlet openingdisposed centrally of said wall and a continuous recess formed in saidend wall a spaced distance from said opening, an electricallyenergizable coil mounted in said recess, a cylindrically shapedblock-like valve member also having a substantially planar end wallsurface coextensive with the planar end surface of said valve bodymemberwhereby said co-extensive surfaces can be brought into a matedengagement one with the other, said valve member end wall further havinga continuous extent sized to block said fluid pressure inlet openingwhen said members are mated, valve casing for said members, said casinghaving inlet and outlet ports and said valve member being reciprocablewithin said easing into and out of said pressure blocking engagementwith said valve body member, said valve and body members both beingformed of a magnetic material whereby energization of said coil producesa magnetic circuit, means for exerting a predetermined force resilientlyurging said valve member into a normally closed inlet-blockingdisposition wherein said flushly mated end wall surfaces provide acontinuous path for said magnetic circuit for holding said valve memberin said inlet'blocking disposition against said inlet pressure,

de-energization of said coil permitting said inlet fluid pressure tomove said valve member for producing a gap the size of which isdependent upon the resistance which said predetermined force acting onthe valve member offers to the force exerted by the lifting component ofthe inlet pressure as it flows radially outwardly of from said inletopening,

said predetermined force being a constant force regulated for permittingsaid valve member to move away from said valve body member a minimumamount for producing a gap no greater in size than is needed'forpermitting a free flow of said inlet fluid radiallyoutwardly of the gap,and

effluent means for receiving saidradial flow.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said valve casing is formed with an interior chamber and said inlet andoutlet ports are disposed one near each of its opposite end portions,

said valve body member being mounted in the inlet end of said chamberwith its inlet opening in fluid flow communication with said inlet portand said valve-member being'mounted inthe outlet end of inch.

1. Hydraulic fluid pressure control valve apparatus comprising: acylindrically shaped block-like valve body member provided with asubstantially planar end wall having a fluid pressure inlet openingdisposed centrally of said wall and a continuous recess formed in saidend wall a spaced distance from said opening, an electricallyenergizable coil mounted in said recess, a cylindrically shapedblock-like valve member also having a substantially planar end wallsurface co-extensive with the planar end surface of said valve bodymember whereby said coextensive surfaces can be brought into a matedengagement one with the other, said valve member end wall further havinga continuous extent sized to block said fluid pressure inlet openingwhen said members are mated, a valve casing for said members, saidcasing having inlet and outlet ports and said valve member beingreciprocable within said casing into and out of said pressure blockingengagement with said valve body member, said valve and body members bothbeing formed of a magnetic material whereby energization of said coilproduces a magnetic circuit, means for exerting a predetermined forceresiliently urging said valve member into a normally closedinlet-blocking disposition wherein said flushly mated end wall surfacesprovide a continuous path for said magnetic circuit for holding saidvalve member in said inlet-blocking disposition against said inletpressure, de-energization of said coil permitting said inlet fluidpressure to move said valve member for producing a gap the size of whichis dependent upon the resistance which said predetermined force actingon the valve member offers to the force exerted by the lifting componentof the inlet pressure as it flows radially outwardly of from said inletopening, said predetermined force being a constant force regulated forpermitting said valve member to move away from said valve body member aminimum amount for producing a gap no greater in size than is needed forpermitting a free flow of said inlet fluid radially outwardly of thegap, and effluent means for receiving said radial flow.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein: said valve casing is formed with an interior chamberand said inlet and outlet ports are disposed one near each of itsopposite end portions, said valve body member being mounted in the inletend of said chamber with its inlet opening in fluid flow communicationwith said inlet port and said valve member being mounted in the outletend of said chamber, and said valve casing being formed to provide saideffluent means and communicate said means with said outlet port.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein said outlet end of said valve casing isformed with a manifold for receiving said effluent, said outlet portbeing disposed centrally of said manifold.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2wherein the mass of valve member is so related to the fluid flowpressure that the pressure force maintains a gap in the order of 0.010inch.